Working Memory Model

Question 1

What is it?

Answer 1

Representation of STM, dynamic processor of different types of info coordinated by central decision making system

Question 2

4 parts to WMM

Answer 2

Central executive
Phonological loop
Visio-spatial sketch pad
Episodic buffer

Question 3

Central executive

Answer 3

Co-ordinates slave systems and processing allocates resources to activities. VERY limited storage capacity.

Question 4

Phonological loop

Answer 4

Processes info in terms of sound, including written and spoken material. Divided into:
Phonological store- stores words heard
Articulatory process- Allows maintenance rehearsal

Question 5

Visuo-spatial sketch pad

Answer 5

Processes visual and spatial info in mental space called ‘inner eye’:
Visual cache- stores visual data
Inner scribe- records arrangement of objects in visual field

Question 6

Episodic buffer

Answer 6

Added by Baddeley later on

Brings together material from other subsystems into single memory and acts as bridge between working memory and LTM

Question 7

Evaluation of WMM

Answer 7

Clinical evidence- KF brain damage guy: poor STM ability for verbal info but could process visual info normally.
Dual-task performance: shown that doing two tasks using same part difficult
Lack of clarity over CE: some parts need to be more clearly specified